Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday claimed that the decision to promote army chief General Asim Munir to field marshal was taken by the civilian government after thorough consultation with former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

“This is not the army’s decision; it is the collective decision of the entire government,” the premier emphasised.

During a conversation with senior journalists in Islamabad on Wednesday, Shehbaz also confirmed that the directors general military operations (DGMOs) of Pakistan and India have reached an agreement and the progress in their communication is ongoing.

He said the two sides had agreed to return to a peacetime posture following the ceasefire, which he claimed was requested by India. Talks between the security advisers of both nations are expected to take place soon at a neutral venue. The Pakistani side will raise four critical issues: Kashmir, water, trade, and terrorism.

Also Read: Who is Field Marshal and what powers does he have?

The prime minister accused Indian intelligence agencies of backing the banned BLA and stated that concrete evidence will be presented to the international community. He also claimed that Israeli weapons and military adviser provided full support to India during the recent clash with Pakistan, and there was solid evidence of their use in Srinagar and other places.

“Our friendly countries -- China, Turkey, and others -- stood firmly with Pakistan during the crisis,” Shehbaz Sharif said, adding that the US president and secretary of state also played a key role in brokering the ceasefire.

Reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to peace, the prime minister said, “We want peace and stability in the region, not destruction. The ceasefire is purely for peace.” He also praised the unity of the nation and the coordination of the civil and military leadership in defending the country. “The beloved homeland has won, and the enemy has been dealt a heavy blow,” he declared.

Also Read: Army chief Gen Asim Munir promoted to field marshal

PM Shehbaz Sharif concluded by urging the nation to maintain the same spirit of unity as Pakistan navigates a challenging regional environment. “May Allah bless Pakistan with greater victories,” he said.

PM, field marshal reach Quetta

On Wednesday evening, Prime Minister Sharif, accompanied by Field Marshal Gen Asim Munir, reached Quetta on an emergency visit following the tragic terrorist attack on a school bus in Khuzdar. Federal ministers Khawaja Asif, Mohsin Naqvi, and Attaullah Tarar also joined the prime minister, who was received by Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti and senior provincial officials.

The prime minister and Field Marshal Munir are expected to attend high-level briefings on the security situation in Balochistan and receive updates on the ongoing investigation into the Khuzdar incident. They will also visit the injured victims to express solidarity and support.

Due to the national tragedy, a planned ceremony at the President’s House in Islamabad to honour Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has been postponed. The decision was made at the request of the field marshal himself, who prioritized visiting the affected region.